Use Public Comment on Cost-Related Decisions

Many decisions that change household costs happen in public forums that few residents attend.

• Utility rate cases: your state’s public utilities commission (PUC) holds hearings and accepts public comments when utilities ask to raise rates. Many states also have a consumer advocate office.
• School boards set fees, meal policies, and budgets.
• City and county councils set local tax rates and fees, usually with a public budget hearing each year.
• Keep comments short and concrete: who you are, how the decision affects your household, and what you’re asking for.